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>> 21/October/2011 - Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon and Estate Pricing Announced

Initial Australian orders for the powerful E 63 AMG will begin to arrive over the coming weeks and will be available as a Saloon or Estate from launch late 2011. Though the latest E 63 AMG arrives with a new engine, improved fuel efficiency and additional standard equipment - Mercedes-Benz Australia is pleased to announce that the Saloon price will remain the same as the outgoing model.

The E 63 AMG delivers an output of 386 kW to 410 kW (when fitted with the optional AMG Performance pack), together with an impressive reduction in fuel consumption: the E 63 AMG consumes 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres (Estate 10.1 litres) combined, a massive 21 percent decrease when compared with the outgoing model.

This eight-cylinder powerhouse, designated internally as the M 157, boasts a combination of innovative high-tech components: in addition to spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, these include a full aluminium crankcase, four-valve technology with camshaft adjustment, air/water intercooling, generator management and a stop/start system.

With a displacement of 5461 cc, the eight-cylinder engine develops a peak output of 386 kW and torque of 700 Nm. In conjunction with the optional AMG Performance package, these figures increase to 410 kW and 800 Nm.

Both variants of the E 63 AMG achieve exceptional performance: acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 4.3 and 4.2 seconds respectively (Estate: 4.4 and 4.3 seconds), and the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Here's some Key data at a glance:

• E 63 AMG Estate to make its Australian return in 2011

• New 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels fitted as standard

• No change to E 63 AMG Saloon pricing

• AMG Performance package available on both variants

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT

7-speed sports transmission helps save fuel

A major contribution to the car's exemplary consumption figures is also made by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. In place of a conventional torque converter, this uses a compact wet start-up clutch.

The E 63 AMG also features a stop/start function as standard: this is active in the Controlled Efficiency ("C") transmission mode and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the vehicle comes to a standstill. The stop/start function can be activated or deactivated using the ECO button on the centre console.

When in transmission mode "C", the vehicle will always start up in second gear. The system will also change gears noticeably early and avoid high engine speeds. Demand-driven delivery of fuel and a generator management system with braking energy recuperation during deceleration add further to the economic use of fuel.

AMG RIDE CONTROL

Sports suspension and new steering system.

The E 63 AMG features the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with a specially designed front axle: the track has been widened by 56 millimetres and includes independent wheel carriers, for increased negative camber at the front, giving clear benefits in terms of grip when driving fast through bends.

Further features include steel suspension struts on the front axle and air suspension struts on the rear axle, with an automatic level control system. Also standard here is an electronically controlled damping system, which automatically adjusts the damping characteristics depending on the driving situation and reduces the roll angle of the body.

The result: lightning-fast adjustment between optimum driving comfort and the best possible agility. The driver can switch between the three suspension modes of "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport plus" at the touch of a button.

The steering system on the E 63 AMG is also new: the electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering features a more direct ratio of 14:1 and variable power assistance that adapts according to the suspension mode.

The steering also helps to reduce fuel consumption, since the power assistance system only draws power when the vehicle is actually being steered.

As well as the 3-stage ESP system with Sport mode, the standard equipment package includes an AMG high-performance braking system, with composite technology on the front axle. Optimum grip comes courtesy of the new 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design, fitted with 255/R35 R 19 tyres on the front and 285/30 R 19 on the rear as an Australian standard.

Decidedly Dynamic Exterior

Externally, the E 63 AMG with the new M157 engine is identifiable by its new light-alloy wheels and by the "V8 BITURBO" lettering on its distinctive, wider front wings. Further characteristic features to aid recognition include AMG body styling with a specific design for the front and rear, along with AMG side sill panels and an AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

Significantly Upgraded Interior

A striking feature of the high-quality, exquisitely crafted interior is the new AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design. The rim of this wheel, which is already used in the CLS 63 AMG, is flattened at both top and bottom to facilitate even better control of the vehicle.

Further identifying features of the new steering wheel: aluminium shift paddles, the perforated leather in the grip areas and the three-dimensional design of the airbag cover with its "Silver Shadow" metallic trim element. This is complemented by the new E-SELECT shift lever with embossed AMG badge.

Similarly adopted from the CLS 63 AMG is the three-dimensional full-colour TFT display in the centre of the speedometer. The driver is welcomed by a striking AMG logo that shows here as soon as the door is opened.

The E 63 AMG with the new AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine is available in either Saloon or Estate versions, with the market launch beginning in November 2011.

• E 63 AMG Saloon: $240,985 (MRLP)

• E 63 AMG Estate: $244,500 (MRLP)

• AMG Performance package: $17,900 (Saloon) $16,900 (Estate)

Note: MRLP includes GST and any LCT applicable to the base / standard specification model but EXCLUDES DEALER DELIVERY AND ALL ON ROAD COSTS such as, for example, registration fees, stamp duty, CTP and the like.

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